Just Sam Wins ‘American Idol’ As Host Ryan Seacrest Draws Concern

Just Sam won “American Idol” Sunday in the first at-home final due to the coronavirus pandemic ― but some of the buzz focused on the singing competition series’ host.

Ryan Seacrest slurred his speech and his eye drooped in a concerning moment before announcing Just Sam, aka Samantha Diaz, as the champion.

Some viewers on Twitter expressed concern that Seacrest was having a medical issue. The Washington Post reached out to Fremantle, the show’s production company, and ABC without success. HuffPost did not immediately hear back from Seacrest’s rep after he took the morning off on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” Monday.

However, he seemed sharper in declaring Just Sam’s victory. The 21-year-old subway singer from Harlem was considered an upset winner over “front-runner” Arthur Gunn, the Post wrote.

Just Sam, who was self-isolating in Los Angeles, celebrated with her grandmother remotely on a tablet.

“Can I thank America now?” the singer said. “My dreams have come true. I would never, never have expected this.”